Discover effective communication strategies for veterinary practice management as experts share insights on enhancing team dynamics and client care.
Being a practice manager, although a rewarding career, can also be a challenging one. Between managing employees, clients, patients, and anyone else who steps foot into your clinic, learning how to be a great communicator and leader can take time and practice. But what if you had some tips to help?
On this week's episode of The Vet Blast Podcast, presented by dvm360, Lazaro Lopes and our host, Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, discuss how Lopes manages his practice by understanding employees and how he is improving access to care by getting a better understanding of his clients' cultures and languages.
Below is a partial transcript, edited lightly for clarity.
Adam Christman, DVM, MBA: What's your approach to keeping communication strong and making sure that everyone stays on the same page?
Lazaro Lopes: That very much falls on me, because every team member is different, and a one-size-fits-all approach is not going to work. There's always a learning curve. I tailor communication based on how each person best receives information. Some prefer direct conversations, while others do better with written updates, like an email or a text. I do very informal touch bases, and, like I said, that may work for some [but is not] enough for others. You learn your way through, but the point is to hold regular check-ins to make sure everyone is aligned and encourage open feedback, whether it's about workflow, schedules, or team dynamics. Clear communication keeps things running smoothly and helps prevent misunderstandings.
Christman: It's great, it really is. And I love that you have this open-door policy...to chat with you, because you're leading by example. You're in the trenches with them. You get them. You understand them. That all speaks to your authenticity and your character, which is great.